About Us
The Mahwah Museum
The Mahwah Museum is located at 201 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah, NJ 07430
The Mahwah Museum was founded in 2001; at that time, the Mahwah Historical Society’s collections were transferred to and formed the foundation of the museum as we know it today. The Mahwah Museum Society is a non-profit corporation under the laws of New Jersey and is qualified as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt entity under the Internal Revenue Code. The Mahwah Museum is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.
Mahwah Museum Operations
Opening Day for the 2020-2021 season is Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 1 pm to 4 pm, and every Saturday thereafter until further notice.
Museum staff and visitors are expected to follow Covid-19 related guidelines including limited capacity and one way traffic. For the safety of our visitors and volunteers, masks will be required for entry to the museum.
Admission
Admission to the Museum is $5 per adult; children 18 and under are free. Credit and debit cards are accepted.
Admission is free for Museum members.
Exhibits
Permanent exhibits include The Donald Cooper Model Railroad, Les Paul in Mahwah, and The Old Station and Erie Caboose.
Rotating exhibits include Palisades Amusement Park in Miniature, A College Comes to Mahwah: Ramapo College, 1965-1975, The Lee Vold Gallery, and our newest exhibit, Revealed: Women’s Fight for the Right to Vote, which will be opening in October.
Educational and Small Group Tours
The Museum offers tours for school and scouting groups, and specialized groups tours. These tours are usually run while the museum is closed to the public. Advance registration is required along with a small fee.
Permanent Exhibits
Les Paul in Mahwah
Open Saturdays 1 pm to 4 pm
Mahwah Museum has a small permanent exhibit featuring some Les Paul history which allows visitors to learn the essential facts of Les Paul’s life and career. There are sections on his inventions and innovations, a display of one-of-a-kind precious guitars made especially for Les, and a re-creation of the studio in which Les did his work.
Donald Cooper Model Railroad
Open Saturdays 1 pm to 4 pm
The Donald Cooper Model Railroad, a permanent exhibit of the Mahwah Museum, is open on Saturday from 1 pm – 4 pm, September through June. Admission to the model railroad is included in museum admission. Admission is free for Museum members.
Old Station and Erie Caboose
Closed for Restoration
The Old Station Museum and Caboose, located at 1871 Old Station Lane (near the Mahwah Depot of New Jersey Transit), is open from 2-4 p.m. on Sundays from June to September. Admission is $3 for anyone 16 and over. Museum members and children under 16 are free. Now closed for restoration.
